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PUBLIC HEARING <br />BUS TRANSPORTATION STUDY (Continued) <br /> <br />Mrs. Janice Boer, 912 N. Lowell, President of the Property Owners' <br />Protective League, stated that they had not been furnished a copy of <br />the report; that she would like to point out, however, that no matter <br />which plan the Council adopted, they would be subsidizing the bus <br />manufacturer; that there are not enough citizens in Santa Aha who are <br />interested in public transportation to warrant this expenditure of funds; <br />and suggested that consideration should be given to the possibility of <br />subsidizing two or three taxis rather than a transit system. <br /> <br />IVirs~ Marian Hixon, President of the Santa Aha Senior Citizens Club, <br />723 Hickory, stated that their Club has a membership of 800 and that <br />more than 65% of their people use the busses; that they live in all <br />areas of Santa Ana; that they use the busses in connection with service <br />to other clubs and organizations on civic matters; that many of their <br />members are of low income and cannot afford taxis; that the group is <br />in favor of continuing the bus service. <br /> <br />Mr~ Francis Cook, representing the Council of Churches, spoke on <br />behalf of the FISH organization, a group of people who do voluntary <br />emergency work. He stated that 90% of their service is in providing <br />transportation for people who are elderly, ill, or handicapped, and <br />that a good transportation system would aid them in their work. <br /> <br />Mr. Burr Sharer of the City Center Association stated that the <br />Association has not seen the report as yet; that they would like to <br />obtain a copy to study at their next Board meeting; that the downtown <br />merchants would like to see the bus service not only continued, but <br />expanded, in order to furnish transportation to the shopping areas for <br />people who are unable to drive themselves. <br /> <br />Mr. Wayne Rash, 522 Wo First Street, stated that he believes such a <br />transit system would benefit many persons and groups, such as <br />commercial communities, elderly and very young people who are <br />unable to drive, and that people who drive their own cars would find <br />less congestion on the streets; that if the City Council decides to <br />adopt one of the proposed plans, they should do so with a complete <br />commitment to see it through and make a success of the program <br />over the next five years; that to do less would only perpetuate the <br />problems being discussed now~ <br /> <br />Mr. Stu Allen, reporter for the Orange County News Bureau, requested <br />information on deficits incurred by other cities in the operation of their <br />transit systems; questioned the statement that a 33-passenger, air- <br />conditioned bus could be purchased for $25, 000; and asked if the <br />management contract would be open for competitive bids. The Mayor <br />read from a report prepared by the City Manager showing annual <br />losses by other cities, and stated that the management contract would <br />be open for competitive bidding. Mro Bouman advised that in preparing <br />their report, it was determined that the cost of the busses as described <br />would be about $25,000 each. <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL <br /> <br />-158- May 13, 1971 <br /> <br /> <br />